not literally but the little bugger took a crap on me. I'm kinda strapped for cash and was looking at the haynes manual with optimism and realizing i'd probably end up spending just as much in tools and stuff as I would on labor to do this job. I was curious as to how much time this should take in a flat rate manual to do the timing belt and replace a waterpump?
the van probably has either 130,000 or 230,000 (i'm leaning towards over 2, it used to be a delivery van for a butcher shop, and then was a handyman's work truck before it got into my hands)
either way, if i gotta do it i'll hunker down under the damn thing and give it a go, but i was just wondering if i'd be better off taking it to a shop.
As mhg says, the model year and engine type make a difference as to the difficulty and cost. If it is a 5.0L or 5.8L this site might be a big help for you...
As a bit of a head-up-
if this is a 302 (or probably 351w) there is a chance- actually with it being old this is uncomfortably likely- that one of the water pump bolts that go through the timing cover will break off.
If this happens, it is impossible to remove the broken bolt without removing the timing cover, a rather extensive job (and very expensive if you have it done). If you do this, you absolutely want to replace the timing chain & sprockets since it's a $10-$30 part but many hours to get access to. They do stretch, and can break or jump time suddenly if it's anywhere near as old as the vehicle.
There's nothing you can do to prevent it the water pump bolts breaking except go slow, just be prepared to accept it if it happens. And ALWAYS put in new water pump bolts if the old ones come out ok.
yup....the weakest link, right on the stinkin nose of the motor. I've cursed at many of those bolts. good luck, but the decision is yours... my mechanic friend quoted me 250, and to me it would be worth it to never touch it again. Good luck... oops, I already said that!
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